Sunday, May 25, 2014

11878: Redskins Respectful, Not Racist.

On Thursday, half the U.S. Senate urged NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to change the Washington club’s name, saying it is a racist slur and it is time to replace it. The franchise responded by releasing a letter written by Redskins President Bruce Allen.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON — Redskins President Bruce Allen said in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on Saturday that the football team’s nickname is “respectful” toward Native Americans.

On Thursday, half the U.S. Senate urged NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to change the Washington club’s name, saying it is a racist slur and it is time to replace it.

The franchise responded by releasing Allen’s letter.

“Our use of ‘Redskins’ as the name of our football team for more than 80 years has always been respectful of and shown reverence toward the proud legacy and traditions of Native Americans,” he wrote.

The letter references research that “the term Redskins originated as a Native American expression of solidarity.” It notes that the team’s logo was designed by Native American leaders and cites surveys that Native Americans and Americans as a whole support the name.

Redskins owner Daniel Snyder has refused to change the name, citing tradition, but there has been growing pressure including statements in recent months from President Obama, lawmakers of both parties and civil rights groups.